Cemetery Street [Hardcover]

Brenda Seabrooke (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

An engaging, often humourous, new-kid-at-school story combined with a spooky and suspenseful mystery in a can't-put-down novel guaranteed to delight readers ages 8-12. It was bad enough that Courtney's mom, recently divorced from her latest husband, has moved the family all the way from Vermont to Florida; but when she rented a rattletrap house on Cemetery Street, it was just too much! Fifteen-year-old Courtney is used to being uprooted, to being the practical member of the family, to looking out for her half brother, Bucky. She's smart and sensible and knows how to stay invisible at each new school she attends. But living on Cemetery Street proves to be more of a challenge than even Courtney can handle. It brings her unwanted celebrity at school; attention from Josh, a handsome classmate, who recruits her to do a "how kids decorate their lockers" column for the school paper; and involvement in an escalating mystery. The creepy cemetery and surrounding jungle next to her house are a bit spooky, but Courtney doesn't really believe in ghosts. Then strange things start happening. Lights flicker in the graveyard; tombs are desecrated with satanic markings; an innocent puppy is mysteriously killed. Suspense builds as Courtney and Josh investigate enntombment. Solid detective work leads the young investigative reporters to uncover a diabolical publicity stunt by a celebrated author and his henchman. Fast paced and suspenseful, this perfect-for-Halloween mystery also offers an engaging and affecting story of fragile family bonds and fledgling friendships.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6–9—High school sophomore Courtney has just moved to Limbo Key, FL, with her flaky mother, who goes through husbands at breakneck speed, and her little brother, Bucky. She has to deal with a lot as she struggles to fit in at school: the only house they can afford is next to the cemetery, Mom doesn't seem concerned about getting a job although they are running out of money, and Courtney often plays the role of mother to Bucky. Set against this backdrop is the bizarre story of Satanists in the area. Dr. White, a sort of doomsday peddler, has been speaking at the school and the public library about his books on devil worship and warning the community to beware. Suddenly, strange things are happening in the cemetery, where Bucky's puppy is found with its throat slit. Courtney, with help from a new friend who gets her involved in the school newspaper, tries to solve the mystery, which culminates in the teens being locked in tombs on Halloween night. Courtney is a likable character, and it is her story that holds readers' attention. The Satanist plot is not really focused on until the last third of the book and seems forced and preachy. Though it has many elements of a compelling read, this novel unfortunately falls short.—Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School Library, Loveland, CO
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About the Author

Brenda Seabrooke is the author of many popular books for children, including The Vampire in My Bathtub. You can visit her on the Web at www.childrensbookguild.org, and find teaching guides for her books at www.childrenslit.com. Ms. Seabrooke makes her home in Englewood, Florida.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 188 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (October 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823421155
• ISBN-13: 978-0823421152
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,331,942 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Main Character, Setting, and Plot make this a terrific read!, July 7, 2011

By 

MTBoy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cemetery Street (Hardcover)

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but was quickly taken by the strong main character who must fill-in on parental duties when her Mom's car finally breaks down for good in the Florida Keys. I wouldn't call this a paranormal tale necessarily, just good strong storytelling by one of today's best YA mystery writers. The setting in the Keys adds a wonderful feel to the story. Highly recommended!

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun paranormal tale, January 20, 2009

By 

Kim Baccellia, "YA Books Central reviewer... (Southern California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cemetery Street (Hardcover)

Courtney is used to moving around a lot. But when her mother finds a place next to cemetery, that's way too much. The kids at her new high school tease her about this. But not all is bad. Josh, a cute boy at school seems to be interested in her! Just when things start looking up, weird things start happening around the cemetery. Courtney and Josh setout to find out what's happening.

I enjoyed this MG tale that shows a heroine who's not willing to just sit back and fade into the background. Courtney's experiences as the new kid on the block ring true. I liked her relationship with her kid brother too.

This fast paced tale is sure to appeal to those who enjoy paranormal stories without the edginess of some recent tales.

5.0 out of 5 stars John's Opinion, November 2, 2008

By 

John R. Wallace (Walterboro, SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cemetery Street (Hardcover)

I found this to be a refreshing and intriguing work by Ms Seabrook. Definitely a "must read" for young readers and a good addition to a teen's collection. It was an excellent mix of young adult drama, mystery, and Halloween Fun. Highly recommended.